Last week, a special radio segment with Prince William and Princess Kate was released almost at the exact same time as Meghan Markle's newest podcast episode.
Appearing on BBC Radio 1, the Prince and Princess of Wales spoke about the importance of taking care of our mental health on the occasion of World Mental Health Day.
Over on Spotify, the Duchess of Sussex was discussing the term "crazy" as used as a weapon against women with Constance Wu, Jenny Slate and Deepika Padukone.
For some royal commentators, the juxtaposition of both programs (which I struggle to see as a coincidence) didn't really do anything to help the Waleses' public image when compared to Markle's.
"It felt kind of thin to me if I'm being totally honest, I just thought there were very few actionable tips," the hosts of the Royally Obsessed podcast said of the Waleses' effort (via Express).
"There was a lot of talk about this mental health toolbox, and the words mental health kept being used, but I always want actionable steps—there was just a lot of flash.
"It was definitely produced and put together, but it comes back to wanting those next steps. It was a lot of style, but not a lot of substance."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Going on to compare it to Archetypes, the hosts agreed that Markle's broadcasting skills are excellent.
"I think we expect so much too and I hate to compare because I know there's no real comparison, but with Archetypes, hearing Meghan and how proficient she is at podcasting, it really sets the bar so high for everyone else, for all of the royals," they said.
"I think she's done an incredible job with Archetypes but really she has a lot more time and a lot more space for that."
Of course, we have to remember that the Waleses spend most of their time doing charity work and meeting with locals in various regions, whereas the Sussexes' media projects can naturally take up much more of their brain space—which is sure to come across to audiences.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Celebrate Earth Month With Our Feel-Good Fashion Report
Your guide to being more sustainable in 2024.
By Anneliese Henderson Published
-
Anne Hathaway Details the "Gross" Audition Request She Once Endured
"Now we know better."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The Emotional Ending of 'Baby Reindeer,' Explained
Netflix's latest miniseries from Richard Gadd is based on the true story of the comedian and his stalker.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Will Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Appear in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Two New Netflix Series?
Filming for both shows—about polo and cookery—began this month.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Makes Moving Promise About Princess Kate at His First Public Appearance Since She Revealed She Has Cancer
He also revealed his youngest child Prince Louis’ favorite sport while at the engagement.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
As He Prepares to Return to Royal Duty Tomorrow After Nearly A Month Away, Prince William Is Struggling with “Immense” Pressure, Reports Say
“There’s a lot at stake, and he does need support.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Yes, That’s Meghan Markle’s Calligraphy on American Riviera Orchard’s Logo
Everything having to do with the lifestyle brand seems personal to the Duchess of Sussex.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince William Single-Handedly Planned His and Kate Middleton’s Romantic Honeymoon
Kate had no idea where they were headed on their two week luxurious break from reality until after their 2011 wedding.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle’s New Netflix Cookery Show Begins Filming Today—But Not Where You’d Expect It to Be Shot
The Sussexes are having a busy week this week, shooting both of their his-and-her Netflix shows and rolling out the first product offering for Meghan’s new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle’s Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard Reveals Its First Product Offering
Fifty samples were sent out in the company’s first limited edition run of the item.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle Thinks Prince Harry Is "Making a Big Mistake" in Wanting to Reach Out to William, Kate: Source
She's worried he'll get hurt again.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published